It’s a small world out there and it is a small world in
International Service Clubs like Rotary. Rotary is an organization where you
put ‘service above self’ and ‘lend a hand’ but where it is also
possible to visit a strange country and phone up the nearest Rotary Club and
you are sure to meet people with the same interest in mind.

Dr.
Anusorn Kunanusorn, Peter McKenzie-Brown, Hody Eekwout

Friends from Rotary Club Chiang Mai West met recently at
the Riverside restaurant to welcome Trudy and Hody Eekwout from the
Netherlands, who are visiting in Chiang Mai. Members also took this
opportunity to say farewell to Sirikorn Rochanasak (“Bo”), who will soon
be traveling to the United States. Sirikorn graduated from both high school
and university in the U.S., and is looking forward to the opportunity to
travel in the country and visit with old friends.

Sirikorn
Rochanasak (“Bo”) looks forward to his trip to the United States.

The Eekwouts are visiting various sites in and around
Chiang Mai to assess their needs that Rotary Clubs in Europe may help
address. They are particularly interested in the vocational needs as Trudy
is currently employed by a vocational college whose mission addresses not
only the needs of students in the Netherlands but also the needs of students
in developing countries.

The meeting is an example that all Rotary members should encourage people
around them to open their hearts, and try to promote friendship and
understanding. Chiang Mai alone has 10 Rotary Clubs and all have dedicated
members of the community who share their free time to make a difference for
others, not as fortunate as themselves. The English language Rotary Club
Chiang Mai West meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Amari Rincome Hotel for
a dinner meeting.

Khin May
Lwin Aunc and Trudy Eekwout

Creating beauty in Suan Silp

Watcharapong Jingkaujai

Nowadays in this busy world, most people forget art,
because modern technology plays a more important role in our lives.

There are few places to share opinions among artists or
art cognoscenti. Fortunately, there is one place surrounded by the beauty of
nature, where one can find and experience art; this place is called Suan
Siln Ruang Tawan, located not far from the city of Chiang Mai, covering an
area of 30 rai.

Art
works among the natural atmosphere

An art exhibition entitled “Create beauty in Suan
Siln” ran at Suan Silp Ruang Tawan, Tambon Sanpeesuea, from April 8 until
April 28. The exhibition is presenting the work of Chiang Mai and adjacent
province’s artists.

Art
works inside Suan Siln Ruang Tawan

ML Saksin Kasemsan, senior artist who belongings to Suan
Siln Ruang Tawan, said, “I wish this exhibition could be a market of art
so that all artists are able to share their opinions, as it is difficult to
find an art center especially in Chiang Mai.”

The artists hope that the visitors will relax during days off or weekends
by viewing art works combined with nature, and they plan to display art
works from different walks of life and topics over the next months. Some of
those artists are willing to teach children during vacations for no fee;
however, the children have to provide their own art supplies.

Thai Animal Guardian Association opens branch in Chiang Mai

Grant Waldman

The Thai Animal Guardian Association, with headquarters
in Bangkok, has just opened a branch in Chiang Mai. The office is located at
118 Charoen Prathet 8 Road. The director is Witt Noisapung.

The purpose of the organization is to rescue dog and
cats, neuter them and try to find loving and caring homes. In the meantime,
the animals are housed on 7 rai in Sen Sai. The dogs have free run and only
the sick dogs are kept in isolation till they are better. The cats have
their own house and are not kept in cages. Plans are underway to make a
small lake for the dogs to swim in and cats are always welcomed!

According to Khun Witt, he will accept dogs and cats
whose owners can no longer care for them and any street dog that is not
taken care of by the local people. The Thai Animal Guardian is a non-profit
organization and donations can be made to the Thai Farmers Bank, account
#4062252044. Receipts are given for each donation.

To prevent the dumping of dogs and cats at Sen Sai, Khun
Witt will take phone calls at 01-764-3584 and come and pick up the dog or
cat. Pictures of the animals will be available at the Office on Charoen
Prathet. But please call before you come. All those who are interested in
adopting, will be screened to make sure their homes are suitable for the
animal.